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Back2Basics addiction treatment center selects a few former residents to speak at a NAU-hosted panel.

What I find typically can happen in treatment is an 'us' versus 'them' mentality between clients and staff, while at Back2Basics, it was more of 'us' doing this together.

Flagstaff, AZ (PRWEB)February 28, 2014

Three former Back2Basics drug and alcohol rehabilitation residents, James B., Brad J. and Joe V., spoke at NAU to current students and staff about addiction, 12-step-focused recovery and life beyond residency.

“The discussion at NAU came about very organically, “ said Brad J. who works in the Back2Basics transition program and is studying to obtain a Master’s degree in social work at NAU. A professor at NAU asked him about joining a forum with others in the NAU community who have interest in sober living.

“From what I've seen these students are really curious about 12-step, and may have not ever met a young person in recovery,” he said. “For myself, personally, when I spoke there were many people in the class who spoke about the struggles their loved ones have had with alcoholism and addiction, and I think it was good for them to see that there is always some hope.”

While sharing at NAU is not a required part of the Back2Basics program, it is a testament to the life-skill building exercises of the treatment provided there. “B2B has assisted me in finding my path in sobriety,” said James B., current Resident Tech Intern at Back2Basics. “I attempt to pass on a clear message that sobriety works for those that need it.”

In addition to life-skill building, the long-term addiction treatment program offers wilderness therapy, traditional therapy and counseling, culinary classes and supports higher learning education. “I feel what makes B2B different from what I expected is that the vast majority of the staff are recovering addicts, as well as former residents in the program,” said Brad J. “What I find typically can happen in treatment is an 'us' versus 'them' mentality between clients and staff, while here it was more of 'us' doing this together.”

The plan is to continue to provide an open and safe platform for the Back2Basics and NAU communities to share their stories about addiction, hope and sober living.

For Joe V., former B2B resident, the plan is to continue a healthy and positive lifestyle. “My ambitions post B2B are to be able to support myself, and be able to explore and experience things that were put on hold or neglected during my active addiction. I look forward to being able to choose what I do in sobriety,” he said.